Get the Skinny on Apple’s New iPad Air

It’s just 7.5 millimeters thin and weighs just one pound. The original iPad is 1 pound, 4 ounces and at this level, those 4 ounces make a big difference. This iPad is so light, you can take it with you when you go mountain climbing or parachuting (See today’s Google Doodle).

If you’d rather hang around the house or the office, you can use the new iPad Air to compose a symphony, create a stunning couture collection or write the great American novel. I also hear that the “stunning Retina display sits inside thinner bezels.” I don’t know what bezels are – I’m imagining a skinny version of the minions from Despicable Me – but I do know it means you get a sharper image.

It’s also Mario Andretti fast. And for all of this style and speed and skinniness – you’ll pay the same as you’d pay for any current-generation iPad, $499 for 16 gigabytes of memory. Want one? They start shipping on November 1.

For those who prefer smaller to thinner, Apple has updated the iPad Mini. This 7.9-inch screen will have the same as the resolution as the full-size iPad and it will contain the new 64-bit A7 chip. That means, fast and sharp. Can I make calls on it? If so, I’ll get rid of my iPhone.

Apple is lowering the price on the original mini to $299 but that’s still not enough to keep the low price Android tablets at bay. Also, Kindle Fire tablets are looking better and better for the price. . .

In addition to the iPad upgrades, Apple also announced new versions of the MacBook Pro laptops – a lower price point – and a new operating system called Mavericks OS X. They’re also upgraded their iLife programs including iPhoto, iMovie and Garage Band.

All in all, it’s a little boost in the product line just in time for the holidays but it’s nothing spectacular. Even today’s Apple announcement event was lacking the usual amount of hoopla and flourish.

They do get extra credit though, for this stunning iPad Air commercial. It does make me want to buy.